Seniors cut a rug at Lake Pearl

Friday

May 23, 2014 at 1:57 PM

By Heather Gillis Harrishharris@wickedlocal.com

WRENTHAM -- Getting older doesnít mean you have to stop doing the things you love, as was recently demonstrated by more than 200 area seniors.Dressed to the nines, seniors from all over Massachusetts and Rhode Island hit the dance floor at Lake Pearl Lucianoís in Wrentham on May 14.Each month the Friends of Plainville Seniors host a "Sociables Luncheon and Dance" where seniors come to ballroom and line dance under sparkling glass chandeliers and enjoy a full course meal."Something happens when I step on the ballroom floor. Suddenly I feel reborn and younger than moments before," Sue Hinski read to the crowd.Hinski is on the seven-person committee that hosts the event."I think people like to dance and socialize," she said. "Itís really something to see; everyone dresses up. Itís an occasion, itís an event."Dottie Kettel, of Plainville, is one of the original committee members who brought the dance to Wrentham back in 1991."We had gone to a couple of dances in Medway," Kettel said. "We thought it would be nice to have a dance for our own seniors."Those first few years, Kettel said, they consistently saw 300-400 seniors waltz through the doors. Today they see on average about 200, Hinski said."Weíve never advertised it," she said. "Itís always been word of mouth."The social also serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of Plainville Seniors, Hinski said. While itís not a huge money-maker, its still worth it to see everyone enjoying themselves, she said. They try to keep ticket costs down, but still provide a classy event."Seniors are on a limited budget," she said. "Our intent is to just have fun. Itís not about making money."Charles and Doris Guerette of Somerset said they have been coming to the luncheon for the past nine years. Doris is a dance instructor and teaches classes four days a week in Somerset, Bristol, Rhode Island, Rehoboth and Swansea."I love to do it," Doris said. "Itís good exercise. You always have more energy after you dance and this is a great groupÖeveryone is very sociable."Hinski said she wants to spread the word and invites more seniors to join in the fun. The Sociables Luncheon Dances are held the second Wednesday of each month. The next dance is scheduled for June 11 and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch served at noon.Tickets are available for $22 per person through the Friends of Plainville Seniors at the Plainville Senior Center and by mail. Checks are preferred and should be made out to Friends of Plainville Seniors and can be mailed to The Plainville Senior Center, 9 School St., Plainville, MA, 02762.Reservations must be made at least one week in advance, Hinski said. For more information contact the Sociables Dance Committee at 508-699-7384.